North Fort Myers man faces life in prison in burglary

January 12, 2018

A man Cape Coral police say is linked to multiple burglaries in the Cape faces life in prison after being convicted of charges in a North Fort Myers burglary while under surveillance.

Theodore Walker Grauwickel, 36, of North Fort Myers, was convicted of grand theft and first degree burglary with $1,000 damage following a trial in Lee County, according to a release issued Friday by the State Attorney's Office.

Grauwickel also entered a plea of no contest to a charge of possession of paraphernalia.

"In February 2017 the Cape Coral Police Department and Lee County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint surveillance operation where they observed a suspected burglary crew who were believed to have committed multiple burglaries throughout Lee County. This crew included Grauwickel along with two co-defendants, Allison Beck and Timothy Grant," the release states.

"During the surveillance the group broke into a home in North Fort Myers by prying open a window in the back of the house. Once inside they stole multiple items including several expensive watches and various pieces of Louis Vuitton luggage. They also ransacked the house and broke an antique vase. They stole more than $20,000 worth of items and damage was estimated at more than $10,000.

"About 15 minutes after getting inside, Beck pulled up in a car in front of the home and Grauwickel and Grant got in with the items. They were all quickly arrested."

Beck, now 33, and Grant, now 37, testified against Grauwickel at trial. They will be sentenced on Jan. 16 as part of their plea agreements for charges associated with the burglaries.